Mall
Takes Another Transformative Step

By Jorge Casuso

November 7 – Santa Monica Place took another major
step in its “ultra-hip” makeover by luring a slate of
high-profile specialty retailers and chef-driven restaurants, Macerich
officials announced this week.

The eight new retail stores and restaurants totaling more than
30,000 square feet will join the two anchor department stores, Nordstrom
and Bloomingdale’s, when the 30-year-old indoor mall is literally
turned inside out.

The two restaurants will be perched on a roof-top dining deck overlooking
the Pacific, while the stores will surround an open air courtyard
that directly connects to the thriving Third Street Promenade.

“We’re well on our way to creating an ultra-hip, dynamic
retail and dining destination that really fits with the unique Santa
Monica shopper, who has a laid-back lifestyle but appreciates style
and high fashion,” said Ron Bondy, senior vice president in
charge of leasing for Macerich.

“These retailers and restaurants truly complement Bloomingdale’s
SoHo concept, which will be the first store of its kind to open
outside Manhattan,” Bondy said.

Rendering of center court (Image courtesy
of Macerich)

Moving into the mall, which likely will open in the spring of 2010,
will be Kitson, the L.A.-based fashion retailer that is an established
celebrity favorite; Coach, a leading American creator of fine accessories
and gifts, and BCBG Max Azria, the popular contemporary women’s
clothing and accessories brand, according to Macerich officials.

Also moving into the 550,000-square-foot mall will be Joe’s
Jeans, known for its trend-setting denim; True Religion, the premium
denim, sportswear and accessories brand, and Lacoste, the iconic
French sportswear brand, Macerich officials said.

The two restaurants are XINO Restaurant+Lounge, a sophisticated,
modern take on classic Chinese cuisine created by noted chef Chris
Yeo, and Ozumo, a highly acclaimed San Francisco concept offering
contemporary Japanese fare in a casually elegant setting.

“They’re unique restaurants to Southern California,”
said Randy Brant, Macerich’s vice president in charge of development.
“We’re trying to bring the best restaurants into the
city. That third-floor dining deck is going to be a high-energy
place.”

The eight unique eateries Macerich hopes to draw will serve as
a magnate to draw people from the street up,” said Brant,
noting that there will be valet service and elevators to whisk diners
directly up.

In addition to the high-end eateries, there will be a food court
serving up simpler fare.

“We have employees and people who can’t afford the
sit-down restaurants,” Brant said.

During the remodel, only Macy’s will stay open, along with
the mall’s two public parking structures, which will get a
makeover that includes adding stores on the ground floor facing
Broadway and parking attendants, under a plan approved by the City
Council in March.